If you are a natural communicator, then you have a certain advantage for public speaking. This, however, does not mean you have everything you need to be able to attract and motivate your audience to do something. You can learn professional presentation skills on a course but you need to choose the course carefully.
The offer of training in presentation skills is very broad. The Training Zone website therefore stressed the following parameters an appropriate course should meet.
1. Both verbal and non-verbal communication
A good presentation skills course should definitely include body language. Learning to speak on its own is not enough. You should master your overall posture and body movements, speech rate, volume, etc.
2. Practical exercises
Everybody can read the theory at home. If you want to remember it, however, you need an opportunity to try it in practice. The presentation skills course you choose should allow each participant to try various presentation techniques.
3. Modern technology
The times when it was enough at a training session to hand out some printed sheets of paper to the participants are over. Search for a course involving advanced technologies, such as online sessions, cameras, microphones, etc.
4. Professional speakers
The best lecturer in presentation skills is a speaker who has given successful public speeches her-/himself. You can learn more from such a lecturer than from a person who knows only the theory. The time you spend selecting the right lecturer is definitely worth it.
5. Interesting content
The course has to consist of more than just sitting behind desks and taking notes. Choose as practical a course as possible, ideally a workshop consisting of several different parts. Participants should be able to try different things, ask questions and receive immediate feedback from the lecturer.
6. Active audience
The course should also include active training with the audience. One of its parts should focus on evaluation of speakers from the perspective of the audience (the other participants).
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